'Delhi, Bengaluru top travel destinations in Asia'

New Delhi, Dec 9: New Delhi and Bengaluru are two Indian cities that rank among top destinations in Asia for globetrotters, leading travel portal TripAdvisor said on Wednesday.

"New Delhi and Bengaluru topped the Asian ranking as destinations that are on the rise, with the former being the only Asian city at seven in the top 10 globally," the travel site said in a statement here, citing feedback on the choice of globetrotters.

Announcing its 'Travellers' Choice awards for 'destinations on the rise', the travel advisory firm said 52 top spots were selected using an algorithm that measured their popularity growth year-on-year (YoY) on the travellers' feedback on attractions, accommodation and restaurants across the cities, worldwide.

"The choice of destinations worldwide will help us identify them as gaining popularity and inspire those planning their travel in 2016 to book trips to these locales, featuring their star hotels, restaurants and attractions," TripAdvisor chief marketing officer Barbara Messing said in the statement.

With 28 percent increase in booking in October 2015 from year ago (2014), New Delhi ranked top in Asia as travellers' choicest destination in Asia.

Similarly, with a whopping 46 percent jump in booking interest YoY, Bengaluru is rising up the ranks in popularity as a techie's paradise and a garden city, with its charming locales that provide respite from its bustling city centre.

"We recommend a walk through Bengaluru's famous and serene parks like the beautiful Lalbagh botanical garden in the city centre, deemed as a paradise in the midst of a concrete jungle," the statement asserted.

Khao Lak in Thailand is ranked third with 27 percent booking interest as a tranquil hideaway, 80 km from north of Phuket, dotted with scenic beaches and an ideal spot for water sports.

"Khao Lak is an ideal destination to soak up the sun and enjoy the warmth of the glistening sand before diving in the clear water along with the famous White Sand beach," the statement pointed out.

The choice destinations list also ranked cities and hot spots in Europe, South America and South Pacific, with beach resort town Tulum in Mexico crowned as the number one in the world.

As pearl island Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo reported 52 percent YoY rise in booking, thanks to its picturesque boulevards and colonial architecture.

"Travellers are encouraged to experience Colombo's religious and cultural offerings in the imperial Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, a site of worship for locals."

The other five top Asian destinations of globetrotters are Karon on the west coast of Phuket island in Thailand, Sanur retreat at Bali in Indonesia, Yerevan in Armenia, Nha Trang in Vietnam, Phnom Penh in Cambodia and Hue around Perfume River in Vietnam.

IANS